2018 Volume 22 Issue 1 Pages 25-41
The purpose of this study was to identify the underlying structure of needs of 81 families with Hikikomori children using the data from their initial telephone consultation for hikikomori. We used sequential explanatory design of the mixed methods approach. The data from telephone consultation records were collected and analyzed using the text mining methods and Trajectory Equifinality Model (TEM) of qualitative methods. The results showed: As children’s social withdrawal was prolonged, communication with the family disappeared and the family needs for help grew more serious and complex. Most families with children in hikikomori less than 6 months used the telephone consultation service in solving specific problems proactively. On the other hand, families with long-term hikikomori (more than 10 years) reached their limits and asked for help by other support than family’s self-help. The family is the critical information holder and the communicator close to hikikomori children. The present mixed methods approach revealed the importance of initiating consultation for Hikikomori early before the breakdown of communication with the family.
